Eleven months ago, the lot across from Lamar County Elementary School was vacant and the idea of a Boys & Girls Club was but a dream. Now, the Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is officially open and has already begun registration of members. On January 23 over 200 community residents gathered to cut the Boys & Girls Club royal blue ribbon symbolizing the beginning of “Great Futures” at the site.

Magical moments were shared by all ages at the grand opening of the Club located at 230 Roberta Drive. Club members began to meet each other in their games room, community members walked the halls of the Club and greeted one another, and the founding contributors of the Club were honored at a reception.

For the founding steering committee who worked tirelessly for the last eleven months the most magical moment was the overwhelming wave of community support.

“We want to thank you for being here,” Chuck Bankston, founding co-chair for the BLBGC, shared. “On Sept. 15 we began our campaign and we set a goal of $250,000 and at the time we felt that was an ambitious goal. We thought our goal would be difficult to reach. But, I underestimated your generosity and the happy generous givers that you all are because as of today we’ve collected a little over $463,000.”

“Because of you, lives will be changed. Working moms and dads won’t have to worry about where their children are,” Bankston continued. “The children will be surrounded by positive people and influence, like you all, and they will achieve great things in life. This celebration is about you. Because of you, we have made dreams into reality.”

Lamar County Elementary School’s cafeteria, where the awards reception was held, was full of community members and rounds of applause were followed with each founding contributor’s name called.

Dr. Jute Wilson, Superintendent for Lamar County Schools, gladly accepted the keys to the Club from Mayor Peter Banks and remarked on the return of investment to come to Lamar County from the Boys & Girls Club.

“I always ask if we’re going to do something what are we going to get in return and when you look at the mission and vision of Boys & Girls Clubs – it’s easy to see that the return here will be impactful,” he shared. “I’m so thankful to all that have given and we’re looking toward big things and a great partnership with BGC.”

An unforgettable moment of the evening was the hallway of the Barnesville-Lamar County Boys & Girls Club being dedicated to Joe Edwards, the steering committee chairman and president of the BLBGC board.

“Joe ate, slept, and dreamed about Boys & Girls Clubs for months,” Chuck Bankston shared. “His vision is what led us to this point and his passion is what got us here.”

Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s region.

“We’re so excited to support Barnesville-Lamar on its journey to impacting and transforming the lives of the youth the Club serves,” Bob Mackey, President & CEO for BGCNCG. “It’s truly because of the excellent community leadership and generous giving that this Club stands as a beacon of hope and promise for the youth. We can’t wait to see the youth soar!”

BLBGC will serve third through eight graders and its programs will focus on academic success, character, leadership development and healthy lifestyles.

For more information about the club, visit www.bgcncg.com/barnesville.